The Epidemic in Boca Raton No One Really Talks About

Believe it or not, there’s an epidemic in Boca Raton and very few people are talking about it. I never thought this would be the case, especially when it comes to our kids. It wasn’t until #dailybocaavery started school this fall that I began hearing bits and pieces about “friends or family with kids” who have ADD or ADHD.

Around the same time, I started working with Neurocore and had my own brain analyzed. It got me, literally, thinking. Why are people not talking about ADD and ADHD more? Is this epidemic in Boca Raton considered a taboo condition versus something like cancer or Alzheimer’s, for example, that has so much public support?

I asked Neurocore what they thought.

In part, they generally feel people are hesitant to talk about ADD/ADHD and other behavioral health issues because there tends to be a stigma around these conditions. These kids are thought to be “problem” kids or not as smart/get bad grades. There’s also a lot of misinformation out there that ADHD could be the result of “bad parenting”– too much television, video games or other electronics, getting your child vaccinated; etc. In reality, that’s really not the case and, furthermore, the data doesn’t support these claims.

The Epidemic in Boca Raton No One Really Talks About

Regardless, ADHD a condition that needs to be treated, right? I know kids aren’t the only age group diagnosed with ADD/ADHD when it comes to this epidemic in Boca Raton, but this is a mom blog so they are the focus for this post. 🙂 I’m also a mom who likes to avoid the use of prescription drugs at all costs.

Unfortunately, when someone has ADD/ADHD, medication is usually the first line of treatment. But, there’s also a stigma to having your child on a drug like Adderall — likely another reason people don’t like to talk about their kids having ADHD. However, ADHD is becoming more and more widespread. So we really need to start talking about what actually causes it and alternatives for treating it! (see: Epidemic in Boca Raton).

ADHD Facts

According to the CDC, approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011, the most recent year for which data is available. It continues to state that:

The percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis continues to increase, from 7.8% in 2003, to 9.5% in 2007, and to 11.0% in 2011.

Rates of ADHD diagnosis increased an average of 3% per year from 1997 to 2006 and an average of approximately 5% per year from 2003 to 2011.

Boys (13.2%) were more likely than girls (5.6%) to have ever been diagnosed with ADHD.

The average age of ADHD diagnosis was 7 years of age, but children reported by their parents as having more severe ADHD were diagnosed earlier.

Unfortunately, while more and more children are being diagnosed with ADHD, the number of misdiagnoses is also increasing. Neurocore sees a lot of children (ideally at around age 6) who come with what parents have been told is ADHD, but it’s actually something else. As a parent, I would be relieved but equally frustrated if this was the case for my child.

According to Neurocore, anxiety and ADHD can seem very similar on the surface; however, at the brain level, they are quite different. True ADD is the result of an abundance of slow-moving brainwave activity. But, anxiety can also result in a child being unable to focus or sit still. Anxiety is actually characterized by a brain that has too much fast-moving brainwave activity.

But the proof is in the pudding, correct? Neurocore offers an alternative treatment to prescription drugs called neurofeedback. It’s essentially like a physical therapy program for the brain. Through noninvasive methods of rewarding the brain for good behavior, Neurocore can help your child’s brain self-correct the imbalances in brain speed or brain connectivity that may be causing the unwanted ADD/ADHD symptoms. And, they are getting results. Their outcomes data shows that:

90% of ADHD clients report improved symptoms.

76% of ADHD clients no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for an ADHD diagnosis by the time they exit Neurocore’s 30-session neurofeedback program. This means 76% of ADHD clients don’t have ADHD anymore after coming to Neurocore!

And, if you want to read some client testimonials, I’ve listed them below. If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, why not look into an alternative treatment like Neurocore? They just opened up a beautiful new office right on Glades Road near the mall. Chances are you’ve passed it a few times already like me.

You can sign up to schedule your own (or your child’s) brain health assessment HERE.

Sponsored: This “The Epidemic in Boca Raton No One Really Talks About” post was sponsored by Neurocore Boca Raton. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. Any statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclosure for more information. I was compensated for this post, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Neurocore Client Testimonials

“After 30 sessions of Neurocore my energy level is much improved! I am able to stay focused throughout the day and I less frequently ‘crash’ in the middle of the afternoon. With this support, I am able to better focus on work, extracurricular activities and my education.”

– Catherine C., Client

“Our home is more peaceful. When [my son] has an issue, he has an improved ability to not get out of control… We feel his essence and personality are able to shine more now that he is consistent in his mood and energy.”

– Trusten B., Center

“Our daughter has really learned how to confront change using her breathing techniques and our lives at homes are way less stressful in the mornings. She is excited to start school this year knowing she has a way to change her anxiety / fears into positive experiences through the lessons learned at Neurocore.”